8 Tips For Conducting An Effective Job Search

8 Tips For Conducting An Effective Job Search

Traditional methods of obtaining employment are no longer effective in today’s world. A simple active job search can prove this. Applying for jobs via job board and waiting for potential employers to start calling you no longer works. You have to go the extra mile. If you are interested in discovering how to conduct an effective job search, you are in the right place.

Below are 8 tips for conducting an effective job search that will make a noticeable difference.

1. Discover yourself

This is the first most important tip to consider when you want to conduct an effective job search. Knowing what you want is critical. You must consider writing down all your interests and hobbies as well as taking self assessments to be able to conduct an effective job search. You should also consider using tools like Career Onestop to help you discover your professional self better.

2. Craft a professional application package highlighting your skills

This is the next tip to consider after discovering your professional self. Your application package should include your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and portfolio if applicable. All these things are crucial for an effective job search. Below is a quick discussion of what all elements of your application package should look like.

a. Resume: Your resume must be professionally written free of spelling and grammar mistakes. The resume should also be written in such a way that potential employers can quickly identify what sets you apart from all the other candidates. This can be done by stating the skills and value you expect to bring into an organization. Finally, if you are applying for different jobs, each resume should be customized to fit specific jobs because most organizations use applicant tracking systems.

b. Cover letter: Your cover letter must state why a potential employer should consider you for an interview i.e. why you will be a good addition to the company/organization.

c. Your portfolio: It is important to note that you don’t need a portfolio unless you are applying for a job that requires examples/samples of your past work. You should have a digital portfolio that showcases your best work because employers are interested in pre-screening the work of each and every applicant before they can decide who to call for an interview.

d. LinkedIn: This is the last most important component of a professional application package. LinkedIn is the best social media site for the employment world. The site gives you an excellent opportunity to showcase your professional self. According to a recent jobsite survey, over 95{2f7a61b4b3723d89af4d56db0c25f9af413b04bda6c1a742ffb85759a511d2e4} of all employers use LinkedIn to recruit. This simply means you are losing out if you are not on LinkedIn.

3. Establish a brand

This is another important tip to consider for when you are keen on conducting an effective job search today. Your brand is made up of your personal websites, online correspondence, social media profiles (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram) e.t.c. You must make sure your brand gives an impeccable impression on others. To effectively establish a brand, you need to know your skills and expertise. You also need to make sure all your online profiles are similar i.e. use one picture for all social media sites. In summary, if you are successful in branding yourself, you will definitely initiate contact with potential employers.

4. Network frequently

Before going online, the first place everyone should search for employment is within their personal network i.e. family, friends, former colleagues e.t.c. This should be the case because members of your personal network usually know you more in person. They are therefore more likely to recommend you than any other networks. This explains why it is important to network regularly.

5. Target desired companies and positions

You can also conduct an effective job search by being more specific when it comes to the job positions you would prefer and the companies you would want to work for. Targeting desired companies and positions narrows down the job searching field allowing you to see if you have any useful connections in the places or positions you are interested in.

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of referrals in obtaining interviews. You can go as far as contacting hiring managers on sites like LinkedIn to see if you can get useful information on what specific companies are looking for in their candidates.

6. Create job search strategies and plans

After you have targeted desired companies and positions, the next step is crafting a plan and strategies to help you get closer to your goal of securing employment in your desired company. You should evaluate your strategies and plans regularly ensuring you follow up with positive leads. In case what you have been doing isn’t bringing results, you shouldn’t be afraid to try new approaches.

7. Follow-up with potential employers

When your job search strategies and plans land you a promising lead, apply and follow up. For instance, you can consider writing quick notes highlighting you skills and why you are an ideal candidate. The main intention behind this is ensuring you stay on the forefront of your potential employer’s mind.

8. Keep increase your marketability

This is the last important tip to consider in this list when conducting an effective job search that makes a noticeable difference. You shouldn’t get comfortable with your current accomplishments. Continue improving your marketability by increasing your skills set and experience as you conduct a job search. Professional developments make you more marketable.